L'absence (en. Absence)

[lɑ.absɑ̃s]

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

State of a person who is not there, who is not present.

Her absence from the meeting was noticed.

Son absence à la réunion a été remarquée.

Lack of something that should be present.

The absence of light makes the room dark.

L'absence de lumière rend la pièce sombre.

Moment when one is absent.

His absence lasted several weeks.

Son absence a duré plusieurs semaines.

From Latin 'absentia', from 'absens', 'absent', meaning away.

absence of evidence

Situation where there is no evidence.

absence de preuves

justified absence

Absence for legitimate reasons.

absence justifiée

in the absence of

In the case where something is absent.

en l'absence de

absent

Who is not present.

absent

voluntary absence

Absence that is chosen or desired.

absence volontaire

forced absence

Absence due to external circumstances.

absence forcée

To have the wind at one's back (in the sense of temporary absence)

He is on vacation, he has the wind at his back.

Il est en vacances, il a le vent en poupe.

To split (in the sense of being absent)

He split before the end of the party.

Il s'est tiré avant la fin de la fête.